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Principal's Message
Greetings Fairmeadow Community,
While the classrooms and playground lay quiet during last Friday's non-school day, the Library buzzed with energy as teachers and staff engaged in our day of professional learning. Our work in the morning focused on supporting student reading comprehension through questioning and interactive read aloud, and in the afternoon we worked with staff developers from the Math Learning Center to learn more about our new mathematics curriculum. We experienced a productive day of learning and planning together, which will undoubtedly impact the positive learning experience for our children this year!
During our session on Bridges in Mathematics, teachers explored resources and planned upcoming lesson activities alongside grade level colleagues from five other schools in Palo Alto. We had the opportunity to delve more deeply into the upcoming unit of instruction for each grade level as well as October Number Corner, and I was impressed by the number and quality of helpful online resources available to teachers. There are also some fantastic online resources available to parents, including grade by grade family support links with unit overviews, information about content taught at each grade level, instructional strategies with visuals, and links to apps that children can use. Please explore the Bridges Family Support Website,
linked here through the PAUSD Curriculum Webpage
. Also, please plan to join me for the October Principal's Coffee on Friday, October 20th from 8:45 to 10:00 am to learn more about our mathematics curriculum through a presentation, simulations, and sharing of resources.
Our fun-filled fall fundraiser, the Fairmeadow Walkathon, is less than a week away!
On Sunday, October 15th from 11 am to 3 pm please plan to join us at Fairmeadow for this exciting, family-friendly event for all Fairmeadow Firebirds! The Walkathon will include food trucks, face paint, games, bike repair, a silent auction, and a super-fun walking course! Please support our school and plan to attend with your children, your family, and your friends! For more information and to sign up to participate, please click here.
Be sure to practice sun safe behaviors at the Walkathon this year. Remember our Fairmeadow ABCs of sun safety: Avoid the sun by seeking shade, use sun Block on exposed skin, and Cover up with a hat! Please join us with your family and friends!
On Monday, the school day will extend for our youngest learners, with kindergarten dismissal at 2:40 pm along with the primary grades on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and at 1:40 pm on Wednesdays.
With full day kinder starting on Monday, the 3rd grade bike rodeo on Thursday, a firetruck visit for kinder and 1st grades on Friday, and the Walkathon on Sunday...what an incredibly exciting time to be a Fairmeadow Firebird! I look forward to walking laps with you next Sunday at the Walkathon!
With kindest regards and appreciation,
Grant Althouse, Principal
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One Week Until the Walkathon!
How can YOU support Fairmeadow as we ROCK THE WALK?
- Volunteer! Please consider giving an hour of your time to help out at the event. Click here to sign up.
- Sign up for a Walkathon Party! On Sunday, all parents can sign up for or bid on faculty events for kids and parties hosted by Fairmeadow parents. The catalog of faculty events and parties is online.
- Bring a Bake Sale Treat! Bring an item for the bake sale. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
- Bring Socks & Hats! Your child can earn bonus laps by wearing a hat and bringing 4+ pairs of new adult-sized socks & travel-size toiletries to be donated to LifeMoves.
- Be a part of the Fairmeadow Flash Mob! Get your Thriller on - attend a Flash Mob practice (this Wednesday, 10/11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10/14 at 10:00 a.m. in the MP Room) or learn the moves online. No dance experience necessary - let's have fun and show our school spirit on Sunday!
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Family Dine-Out Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 11th
11 am - 9 pm
Family Dine-Out is back! Take your friends and family to eat out, and raise money for our school's
Fifth Grade Scholarship Fund.
This month we have arranged for a double Dine-Out, to support the new Fifth Grade field trip, "Outdoor Science School." Have lunch or dinner at
Mountain Mike's Pizza
and then go to
Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream
for dessert.
Hand over a ticket when you pay full price, and these establishments will make a donation to our school. Mountain Mike's will donate 20%. Rick's
will donate 25%.
This offer is open to all, so invite your friends, family and neighbors! Come dine-out on
Wednesday, October 11th between 11 am and 9 pm. Whether it's lunch or dinner (or both!) we hope to see you there.
Order your pizza ahead of time to avoid long waits (online or call 650-856-7855). Hand in your ticket when you pay, pick-up, or accept delivery.
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Does Your Bike Need a Repair?
You're in luck! Bay Area Bike Mobile will be at the Walkathon on October 15th!
They will provide free tune-ups and bike repairs to the first 20 sign-ups!
So, bring your bike, sign up the morning of the Walkathon, and get back on the road! Questions? C
ontact Fairmeadow's Safe Routes to School Champion, Christy Moision.
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Bone Marrow Donor Drive at Walkathon
A diverse and caring community like Fairmeadow has the power to make a difference. Please visit the bone marrow donor drive at the Walkathon and consider becoming a donor. The simple five minutes process at site may save someone's life. Click here for the flyer or here for more on Vanessa's story. If you have questions, please contact Sakura Hino.
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Unity Day 2017 - When We Stand Together, No One Stands Alone. Palo Alto's 5th Annual Unity Day! Wear Orange to Show Your Support!
Wednesday, October 25th, all PAUSD schools
PAUSD will celebrate Unity Day 2017 to show that our community is united against bullying, and promotes kindness towards all students. Each school will participate in its own way, so find out what your school is doing. Also, join in sending a message that we are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion by wearing Orange on Wednesday, October 25th!
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PiE Rally Days - Challenge Grant
Generous PiE supporters have offered a brand new Challenge Grant to PiE. Please donate or make a pledge by October 16th
and we can give an additional $235,000 to PAUSD students. Every gift counts. Gifts and pledges made by October 16th will be matched by a $235,000 Rally Days Challenge Grant. This is the final Challenge Grant for the year, so please join PiE in supporting our children. If you have already given or pledged, thank you so much! If not, now is a great time to make your impact!
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Movie & Discussion for Families. The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia
Tue, Oct 17, 6:30 - 8 pm, Palo Alto High School, Haymarket Theater, 50 Embarcadero Rd
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Join us for this new eye-opening movie: a dyslexic high schooler pursues admission to a leading college - a challenge for a child who didn't learn to read until 4th grade. Additional accounts of the dyslexic experience from children, experts, and iconic leaders at the top of their fields help us to understand that dyslexia, a persistent problem with reading, can be both a gift and an obstacle. Discussion and Q&A following the film. Students and teachers are welcome to attend. Co-sponsored by Palo Alto CAC and PTAC. For questions contact [email protected].
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"The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation"
Tue, Oct 17, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, PAUSD Boardroom, 25 Churchill Ave
Join us for the screening of "The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation." Kim Kruckel, Executive Director of the Child Care Law Center based in San Francisco, and a leader in early childhood education will moderate the discussion and questions following the film. You can watch the 11 minute trailer at here.
Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 and the program begins at 7:00.
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Festival of Lights: A Diwali Celebration
Sun, Oct 29, 12-5 pm, Rinconada Library, 1213 Newell Rd, Embarcadero Room
Come celebrate Diwali at the Palo Alto City Library! We'll have music, dancing, henna, crafts, and lots more for the whole family to enjoy! Join us as we celebrate the cultures of our community. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights celebrated every autumn in the northern hemisphere. This free event features a variety of performances and activities that reflect the celebration!
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Paly Cheer Fundraiser -- Order your Holiday Pies!
Fri, Oct 20 (order deadline), Tues, Nov 7 is pie pick-up at Paly 3:30-5:45 pm
Enjoy delicious farm fresh pies while supporting your Cheer and Dance teams! Apple, Two Berry, and Pumpkin Pies are available. They are flash-frozen from Gidzich Farms in Watsonville and are simply scrumptious! Get all the details here.
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Project Cornerstone - for Parents and Caregivers!
The Palo Alto Unified School District is offering a free series of parent meetings open to all parents and caregivers. Join Project Cornerstone's engaging workshop, Take It Personally, starting Monday, October 30th from 8:05 to 9:35 am at Hoover Elementary School. You do not need to be a parent from Hoover, just an adult who cares about all kids.
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Tap In Talents After School Program
Tap In Talents combines an amazing range of activities for all our students to develop. From exploratory time, to communication, learning a second language, and STEAM, our programs are both invigorating and engaging. We seek to nurture personal discovery, how to problem solve, be creative, work collaboratively with one another and communicate well, all which will prepare kids for the future.
We offer an
exciting range of classes and courses to develop the WHOLE child and their unique talents, which can be taken as part of the After School Program or stand alone. We also offer exciting camps for days when our kids are out of school.
Our next upcoming event is Parent's Night Out - October 13, 6-9 pm. $50/child, $5 discount for siblings, includes movie, popcorn, and craft. Come spend an evening with the Trolls! We will make troll hair and sit back and watch Trolls while our parents enjoy date night. Children over 3 and potty trained are welcome. Register
here
.
For more information, please visit our
website.
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Julia Robinson Math Festival
Sat, Oct 14, 2-4 pm, Lehman Hall, Trinity School, Menlo Park
The JRMF is a dynamic STEM event designed to challenge and delight
participants. Students will enjoy hands-on math exhibits, entertaining
mathematical games, and intriguing puzzles and brainteasers.
This event is open to the public, and admissions is free.
The activities are designed for students in grades K-5 but, older
children are welcome to join as well.
More info and registration here.
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Information Nights for Parents of Rising 5th and 8th Graders
Are you wondering about the next big step in school for your child? Come learn about what to expect for the move to 6th grade and 9th grade! These evening events are hosted by PiE and replace their former fall middle and high school tours.
8th Grade Rising - Parent Info Evenings
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Gunn:
Wed, Oct 11, 7-9 pm, Gunn Bow Gym
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Paly:
Wed, Oct 11, 7-9 pm, Paly Perf. Arts Center
5th Grade Rising - Parent Info Evenings
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Terman:
Wed, Oct 18, 6:30-8:30 pm, Terman Cafetorium
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Jordan:
Wed, Oct 18, 7-9 pm, Jordan Multi-Purpose Room
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JLS*:
Thu, Oct 19, 7-9 pm, JLS Cafetorium
At each school site, the Principal and other staff will provide insight on the school and what you can look forward to in this new chapter. Parents will share tips for a smooth transition. For more info, click here.
Open to all current 5th grade and 8th grade parents, respectively. No reservations needed. Translators will be available for Spanish and Mandarin speakers. This evening is geared for adults. Childcare will not be provided.
* The JLS information night will not include specifics on the choice program, Connections. Detailed information on that program will be shared at a special Connections Information Night on Thursday, February 8, at 7:00 pm, hosted by JLS.
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Special Education Administration Panel
Wed, Oct 18, 7-9 pm, Santa Rita Elementary, 200 Los Altos Ave, Los Altos
Staff from the Special Education Departments from Los Altos SD (Jennifer Keicher, Director), Mountain View Whisman SD (Gary Johnson, Director), Mountain View Los Altos High SD (Kara Oettinger, Program Specialist) and Palo Alto Unified SD (Jennifer Baker, School Psychologist) will participate in a moderated panel discussion and respond to questions about issues in special education. A great way for new families to learn more! If you have questions now to start the evening, please submit them to [email protected].
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Let's Talk, Hosted by SELPA 1 CAC
Mon, Oct 9, 7-9 pm, 190 Arbuelo Way, Los Altos
Let's Talk Support Group is a chance to ask questions and share ideas, resources, and support with other parents of students with IEPs, 504s, learning differences, mental health challenges, etc. All are welcome, participants must respect confidentiality.
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Parent Chat, Hosted by SELPA 1 CAC
Tue, Oct 10, 7-8:30 pm, Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos
Are you concerned about the emotional well-being of your child? Come to Parent Chat, peer to peer support for parents of teens. Hosted by the Mental Health Subcommittee of SELPA 1 CAC.
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Whole Foods (Downtown Palo Alto) Nickels for Non-Profits
Now through Jan 15th
Each time you shop at the Whole Foods Market Downtown Palo Alto between now and January 15th and bring in your own bags, Whole Foods will donate 5 cents per bag to our Palo Alto PTA Council. The PTAC will be able to use these funds for more programs and events for our PAUSD students, staff, and parents!
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Do You Know a Child Who Loves to Sing?
Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley serves the youth of Silicon Valley with 23 years of choral music instruction and performance excellence. Auditions are now open for our 2017-2018 Season.
Cantabile singers, which includes PAUSD students ages 4-18, enjoy weekly rehearsals, seasonal concerts, participation in the annual Cantabile Festival for Young Voices, and domestic and international tours. Cantabile Youth Singers offers a Training Division based on skill level and age: three levels of Preparatory Classes for students ages 4-9 and a fun and high-energy Intermediate Choir for students ages 9-12. Our Performance Division has four senior choirs: Ensemble , for young people ages 12-15 and Vocalise, Cantabile's most advanced group for youth aged 14-18. Cantabile has a Young Men's Division that supports boys' voice change (Bravi and Vocal Training Group) and an A Cappella girls' ensemble, Aria.Training Division Demo classes are held in August and January and auditions are held by appointment throughout each semester.
To audition please contact
[email protected] or call
650-424-1410.
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Free Math Festival for Girls
Sat, Oct 21, 10 am - 12 pm; 555 Post Street, San Francisco
Hands-on, collaborative activities that inspire a love for math, for girls grades 4 through 9. Please plan to stay for the entire duration of the festival, to participate in a sequence of scheduled activities rather than a drop in format. For more information, click here.
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Basketball Registration Is Open!
Attention girls and boys interested in playing basketball: Palo Alto National Junior Basketball aims to build individual skills, teamwork, character, friendly competition, and compassion. We offer K-2 clinics, leagues for grades 3-8 with professional coaching on Super Saturdays, and a high school program. As a community non-profit, we depend on parents to help coach-a magnificent way to positively impact and spend time with our children. Practices begin in late October, and games run from December through a tournament in late February. Scholarships available. Find out more and register here.
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Palo Alto Library -- Day of the Dead Altar
Sun, Oct 15 - Sun, Nov 5, Mitchell Park Library, 3700 Middlefield Rd
Submit a photo of a loved one who has passed on to honor them at the entrance of the library's altar. Display created by Teen Library Advisory Board (TLAB).
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| Archives and Publication Guidelines |
Fairmeadow eNews is a publication of the Fairmeadow PTA. Previous editions of eNews can be found at the
eNews archive
page.
Please see the PTA website for the eNews Publication Guidelines.
If you have any questions or would like to make a submission, please contact
Christy Moision
, Fairmeadow's eNews editor.
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| Oct 9 |
Full Day Kindergarten Begins |
| Oct 12 |
Third Grade Bike Rodeo |
| Oct 15 |
Walkathon |
| Oct 20 |
Principal's Coffee |
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